Fall is the best season for footwear, and I won’t be convinced otherwise. Sure, summer sandals and strappy heels are liberating for your pedicure, but there’s something about the versatility of fall weather combined with that crisp air that makes dressing that much more exciting. This season, the runways were chock-full of trends both new and familiar. The overarching message? Glamour is back in full force as we continue to dress up and go out, but comfort isn’t taking a backseat. Turns out, super-high platforms actually aren’t so difficult walk in (that is, if you’re even-keeled), and cowboy boots are reimagined as a day and night shoe. Here, we’ve taken stock of all the fall shoe trends you need to shop now.
Sky-High Platforms
The platform was the runaway trend of the season, with almost every designer offering a vertical lift. From Valentino’s sky-high PP Pink platforms that Anne Hathaway just stomped around Rome in to Versace’s patently sexy take, there was no shortage of leg-lengthening, view-altering heels. Add a pair of socks to carry you through the winter months.
Sculptural Silhouettes
Art and fashion (and kink) all blurred together at Loewe’s fall/winter show, adding daring, graphic design to what would be regular old pumps. This season, take a sculptural approach to footwear with angular heels and artful touches.
Twinkle Toes
The ever-present trend of glittering, shimmering shoes didn’t show any signs of stopping on the fall runways. From punk-ified versions at Alexander McQueen to ladylike diamanté sandals from Saint Laurent, everyone rolled out their take on stage-ready sparklers.
Haute Cowgirl
The Wild West is an infinite reference resource, with fringe, beading, and rodeo-ready looks taking the runways by storm this season. We’re particularly fond of Chloé’s French-girl take on the classic cowboy boots, while others also got in on the fun.
Skater Chic
It’s never a bad idea to borrow from the boys—this season, designers reimagined the iconic low-rise skate shoe into something more fashion-forward. We love to see it.
Mary-Janes
For all the girls who wanted to steal their doll’s Mary-Janes, designers have you covered. This season, brands like Ambush, Marc Jacobs, and Del Core took the classic style to new heights with ultra-platform versions, adding the perfect dose of adult to the tried-and-true childhood staple.
Thigh-High Boots
An over-the-knee boot is a classic fall/winter silhouette that isn’t going anywhere. While it has been a staple of every Christian Girl Autumn since pretty much forever, this season, designers made creative choices with different textiles that set the silhouette apart, our favorite being Bottega Veneta’s metallic rendition that does all the talking.
